Lake Erie College freshman cross-country runner Matthew Dupnock '30 sees his first college season as more than just personal records and faster race times. It's about embracing new challenges, building relationships, and helping shape the Storm cross-country team's future.

Dupnock, a North High School graduate and marketing major, chose Lake Erie College for its proximity to home, friendly atmosphere, and chance to support a growing program.

"I chose Lake Erie because it was close to home," Dupnock said. "I had quite a few friends in other sports that were also coming here, and the campus seemed very open."

The coaching staff's dedication to establishing the program was most noticeable. With five freshmen out of six on the men's team, Dupnock saw a chance to shape the program's identity early on.

"The coaching staff here is really looking to build up the program as a whole, and I look to be a part of that," he said.

Dupnock's foray into distance running started unexpectedly. Raised in a family of runners, he was encouraged to try the sport, though he was initially hesitant. He eventually began running to maintain his conditioning for basketball and later found a passion for competition.

"I started running in school because I wanted to stay in condition for basketball," Dupnock explained. "I ended up being the second-place guy my first year, and I started to fall in love with the competitive nature of it."

That competitive drive eventually led him to collegiate running, where he quickly discovered the sport's increased demands.

"It's definitely a lot more work, more tolling on the body, but it's expected," he said.

Beyond the physical demands, Dupnock has mastered balancing academics, training, nutrition, and recovery. Handling his schedule and taking more responsibility for his health are now key aspects of his transition.

Despite those adjustments, he has already made significant progress.

At the start of his freshman year, Dupnock aimed to finish an 8K in under 30 minutes. After reaching this goal, he rapidly set a more challenging objective.

"My goal initially was to run a sub-30 8K. I already did that," Dupnock said. "My new goal since the season has started is to try and get into the sub-28 range."

He has also celebrated a personal achievement by setting a new two-mile personal record during a team time trial.

With a new coaching staff and a roster made up mostly of freshmen, the Storm is focused on establishing its identity and laying the groundwork for future success. For Dupnock, participating in this process has been one of the most exciting parts of his first season.

"It's pretty enjoyable because we have the ability to take this where we want it to go," he said.

The team's competitive mentality has helped create an environment where runners consistently challenge one another to improve.

"We've got guys that want to get better and guys that want to push each other," Dupnock explained. "I don't think anyone on the team is ever really satisfied, so it keeps us all hungry."

That mentality extends into daily practices, where teammates hold each other accountable. Dupnock specifically credits teammate Robert Knox for pushing him during difficult workouts.

"He'll push me, and he'll yell at me at practices if he sees me slowing down, and I do the same to him," Dupnock said.

The coaching staff emphasizes the importance of balancing hard work with recovery to help young runners develop healthier training habits. Although competition unites the team, Dupnock considers the relationships built outside running equally significant.

Early in the season, the men's team went on a camping trip that helped build connections among the runners.

"We all kind of got comfortable being uncomfortable for a few days," he recalled. "That bonded us pretty strongly right then and there."

As a commuter student, Dupnock stays involved on campus by spending time with teammates after classes, attending Campus Activities Board events, and participating in other activities together.
These experiences have helped create friendships and a sense of belonging throughout his first semester.

Though still a freshman, Dupnock has started thinking about how he can grow into a leader in the program. He believes leadership isn't just about giving orders; it's about forming relationships, showing strong character, and holding teammates responsible.

"Leadership goes deeper than just directing everybody," he said. "It stems from having good character, being personable toward everyone on the team, and keeping them accountable."

His perspective on leadership reflects one of the most valuable lessons running has taught him: perseverance.

"Running has taught me that no matter what happens, you can't go back," Dupnock said. "You have to face your problems as they come and just keep moving."

Outside of athletics, Dupnock enjoys playing volleyball and spending quality time with friends and family. He attributes his start in running and ongoing support to his parents. Academically, he is studying marketing with ambitions to work at a marketing agency before eventually launching his own business. 

As he advances through college, Dupnock aims to keep improving personally while helping develop a program future Storm runners will be proud of.

"I hope that we can look back as a team and say that we built a strong foundation for this team to grow on," he said.

For incoming runners preparing to make the transition to college athletics, Dupnock offers simple advice.

"Always prepare. Stay on top of your sport and make sure you're having fun. Make sure you enjoy it."

With a young roster, a competitive mentality, and a shared commitment to improvement, Dupnock and his teammates are helping shape the future of Lake Erie College cross country, one race at a time.